Flight cancelled - missed Apex sailing!

[LambChopFiend]

Due to flight cancellations, I missed my sailing on the Apex (I know, should have flown in the night before). Miraculously I was able to switch to the Edge sailing the next day. Online check in is closed. All my check information, reservations, etc are gone so am starting fresh hours before sailing. Has anyone else ever had this happen and done this? Just looking for advice because I am scrambling last minute. 
 

We can’t get an assigned boarding time or express pass and will need to complete check in manually. What time should we get to the port? As I’d like to go early to take care of all the potential reservation kinks (not trying to restart that debate because I had no opportunity to even get a late check in time or any at all). This has nothing to do with hotel check out time or wanting to hit the pool and buffet early. 

 

Any other general advice or issues I may be forgetting? We have to remake Eden reservations once aboard and have redone COVID tests. We had some pre-cruise reservations at a discount for photo/casino that we will see if they will honor again. 

[wrk2cruise]

Any reservations made on Cruise Planner I would expect would be refunded to your credit card or OBC placed back on the reservation.   I assume they moved the same booking number to the new Edge cruise.

 

I really don't know how to answer the arrival time question but would advise maybe around noon, after the initial push of people.  If you run into any problems I would ask to speak to the pier coordinator.

[chemmo]

So sorry you missed your planned cruise but well done Celebrity for enabling you to swap! Most of the time in these circumstances you would be trying to get a flight to the first port of call.

 

I honestly wouldn’t worry about the smaller things, just call at desk relations and explain what has happened. If they can transfer things over I am sure they will, if you have copies of these discounted items it may help. If not look at the bigger picture and smile, loosing a discount is much less costly and upsetting than loosing a cruise!

 

I suggest you do turn up fairly early to the port (about 12ish after the first early birds?) and explain you need to check in manually. Not many guests should be needing to do this. If someone tries to usher you into a general line stress again you are ‘in unusual circumstances’ and ask to speak to a supervisor who should be able to point you in the right direction.  Even if you are kept waiting a while at least you are there and have time to sort out any form filling, document showing etc.

 

Now take a deep breath and relax! Sincere best wishes for a wonderful cruise!

[LambChopFiend]

30 minutes ago, chemmo said:

So sorry you missed your planned cruise but well done Celebrity for enabling you to swap! Most of the time in these circumstances you would be trying to get a flight to the first port of call.

 

I honestly wouldn’t worry about the smaller things, just call at desk relations and explain what has happened. If they can transfer things over I am sure they will, if you have copies of these discounted items it may help. If not look at the bigger picture and smile, loosing a discount is much less costly and upsetting than loosing a cruise!

 

I suggest you do turn up fairly early to the port (about 12ish after the first early birds?) and explain you need to check in manually. Not many guests should be needing to do this. If someone tries to usher you into a general line stress again you are ‘in unusual circumstances’ and ask to speak to a supervisor who should be able to point you in the right direction.  Even if you are kept waiting a while at least you are there and have time to sort out any form filling, document showing etc.

 

Now take a deep breath and relax! Sincere best wishes for a wonderful cruise!

Well said, appreciate the advice. We are super lucky and grateful just to still be able to go on any ship vacation at all. 
 

[graphicguy]

So sorry to hear about the flight snafus.  Very happy to hear you were able to shift to the EDGE (which is my favorite Celebrity ship) with little disruption. 

 

My guess is the itinerary changed, therefore the previous plans for excursions, dining, etc will change, also.  So, you’ll have to make those plans when you embark.  The good news is that should be relatively simple.

 

I’d get to the port around 1-ish-2-ish.  As @wrk2cruise mentioned, that will allow you to let the initial rush to embark to dissipate a bit.

 

One of the many things I like about Celebrity.  They will bend over backwards to accommodate someone’s misfortune, if they can.

 

Enjoy your cruise.

Edited March 13, 2022 by graphicguy

[gerelmx]

I hope you have learned the lesson, And be thankful they switched you to the Edge free of charge. Bon Voyage

Edited March 13, 2022 by gerelmx

[RickT]

Just curious how you were able to switch ships so close to the sailing date?  Did you call Celebrity to get it done?

 

Definitely worth a call to try and get it straightened out.  

[LambChopFiend]

16 minutes ago, RickT said:

Just curious how you were able to switch ships so close to the sailing date?  Did you call Celebrity to get it done?

 

Definitely worth a call to try and get it straightened out.  

This was a blue chip booking and my agent came through last minute. I can’t remember who but someone on CC mentioned this possibility of changing ships once. My calls to Celebrity directly didn’t yield any help for flight changes or rebooking, just offer of refund for the flights.
 

For those wondering the value of Flights by Celebrity, this shows it certainly does not guarantee you on the ship or mean they’ll wait for you, or even do anything proactive at all. I was never reached out to, mostly just on hold. They only say in the event of flight delays and cancellations “we’ll have your back”, but it didn’t feel that way. Understandably they are dealing with a large number of calls and panicked people during flight cancellations, but then that is also what they’re supposed to be prepared for if they are selling it that way. 

[graphicguy]

Often wondered about “FLIGHTS BY CELEBRITY”.  Good to know there are no guarantees.  They never offered anything that I couldn’t get myself by booking my own flights.

 

I book day of embarkation, also.  It works for me.  But, I always have a couple of other flights that would also get me to the pier on time for sailing.

 

Where are you coming from?  

[JFontaine]

I would go to the port at noon - 2 is too late if the ship sails at 4, considering. There is a report that another Celebrity ship is where Edge usually docks. If that's the case, things might not be smooth for the Edge. When you get to the port, I would just focus on getting correct luggage tags and getting on board. Once on board, you can take a deep breath (have a drink?) and work everything else out.  Have a great trip.  

[LambChopFiend]

6 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Often wondered about “FLIGHTS BY CELEBRITY”.  Good to know there are no guarantees.  They never offered anything that I couldn’t get myself by booking my own flights.

 

I book day of embarkation, also.  It works for me.  But, I always have a couple of other flights that would also get me to the pier on time for sailing.

 

Where are you coming from?  

It was about $100 cheaper per person through celebrity so I figured why not. I went by similar lines of reasoning as I always have, flying in on the first flight of the day from Texas with several backup flights available. Being spring break, there were little to no seats available on other flights and they were gobbled up quickly so leaning more towards to fly in the night before crowd now obviously, but see both sides. 

[drakes2]

6 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Often wondered about “FLIGHTS BY CELEBRITY”.  Good to know there are no guarantees.  They never offered anything that I couldn’t get myself by booking my own flights.

 

I book day of embarkation, also.  It works for me.  But, I always have a couple of other flights that would also get me to the pier on time for sailing.

 

Where are you coming from?  

I have a 7 am flight next month Toronto to Vancouver but with the 3 hour time difference I arrive at 8:45 am.  Ship sails at 5.  Fortunately there are several air canada flights out that day.  Did not book flights by Celebrity as always find the prices to be equal to or slightly more than what I book on my own.

[DCPIV]

1 hour ago, LambChopFiend said:

They only say in the event of flight delays and cancellations “we’ll have your back”, but it didn’t feel that way.

 

They put you on another ship, for Pete's sake. I wouldn't count on that when flying on your own arrangements. 

 

I'm very glad things have worked out as well as they have! I agree that it's probably good to show up after the initial rush.

[RichYak]

4 minutes ago, DCPIV said:

They put you on another ship, for Pete's sake.

Have you even read OP's posts? Flights by Celebrity did NOT put OP on another ship. Blue Chip Club did.

[DCPIV]

2 minutes ago, RichYak said:

Have you even read OP's posts?

 

Golly. Somebody needs a nap. 

[RichYak]

3 minutes ago, DCPIV said:

 

Golly. Somebody needs a nap. 

At least I didn't nap during 4th grade reading comprehension. Good grief.

[LambChopFiend]

9 minutes ago, RichYak said:

Have you even read OP's posts? Flights by Celebrity did NOT put OP on another ship. Blue Chip Club did.

Yes this, more specifically my agent who makes blue chip bookings, as blue chip couldn’t make any progress on a transfer for hours until he intervened. Flights by Celebrity was essentially nonexistent in this matter. 

 

I decided to head to the port relatively early. Because of the change to terminal 29 instead of 25, there are no lines for assigned time slots. Everyone is in one big winding line that is moving pretty slowly (except for retreat and even that line has people waiting).

[graphicguy]

58 minutes ago, drakes2 said:

I have a 7 am flight next month Toronto to Vancouver but with the 3 hour time difference I arrive at 8:45 am.  Ship sails at 5.  Fortunately there are several air canada flights out that day.  Did not book flights by Celebrity as always find the prices to be equal to or slightly more than what I book on my own.

Crossing time zones sometimes makes it more difficult.  But, you're going in the other direction, so that makes it more beneficial picking flights.

 

Even if you're delayed, or even cancelled, you're still in good shape.  That's the way I plan, too.

 

The downside, on your end, is you may have to wait a few hours to board.  Vancouver is great, though.  You'll find plenty to do to while away the hours.

 

Have fun!

[VitaminSea53]

2 hours ago, LambChopFiend said:

This was a blue chip booking and my agent came through last minute. I can’t remember who but someone on CC mentioned this possibility of changing ships once. My calls to Celebrity directly didn’t yield any help for flight changes or rebooking, just offer of refund for the flights.
 

For those wondering the value of Flights by Celebrity, this shows it certainly does not guarantee you on the ship or mean they’ll wait for you, or even do anything proactive at all. I was never reached out to, mostly just on hold. They only say in the event of flight delays and cancellations “we’ll have your back”, but it didn’t feel that way. Understandably they are dealing with a large number of calls and panicked people during flight cancellations, but then that is also what they’re supposed to be prepared for if they are selling it that way. 

 

44 minutes ago, LambChopFiend said:

Yes this, more specifically my agent who makes blue chip bookings, as blue chip couldn’t make any progress on a transfer for hours until he intervened. Flights by Celebrity was essentially nonexistent in this matter. 

 

I decided to head to the port relatively early. Because of the change to terminal 29 instead of 25, there are no lines for assigned time slots. Everyone is in one big winding line that is moving pretty slowly (except for retreat and even that line has people waiting).

 

Edited March 13, 2022 by VitaminSea53
Delete please

[VitaminSea53]

What is a Blue Chip booking?

[wrk2cruise]

Celebrity Casino loyalty club.

[Sam.Seattle]

1 hour ago, LambChopFiend said:

Yes this, more specifically my agent who makes blue chip bookings, as blue chip couldn’t make any progress on a transfer for hours until he intervened. Flights by Celebrity was essentially nonexistent in this matter. 

 

I decided to head to the port relatively early. Because of the change to terminal 29 instead of 25, there are no lines for assigned time slots. Everyone is in one big winding line that is moving pretty slowly (except for retreat and even that line has people waiting).

SAY WHAT!!!!!  They changed the Apex to terminal 29?  I thought you must be crazy from the travel screw up.... Just checked out the Port Everglade web cams to see the Equinox at terminal 25.  Why in the world did they change terminals? I have never know the Apex or the Edge to get booted from terminal 25.  Enjoy your cruise!

Cheers,

🍸

[suzyluvs2cruise]

OP....glad it worked out for you. 

 

We're booked on APEX TA next month. Booked flights through Celebrity as pricing was much better than what I could get myself. Problem is the great day before non-stop flight from LAX-FLL was change to an overnight flight ....with 1 stop...with arrival at 6:45 a.m. To change to a day before flight (again) would have cost $$$ as the whole trip would have to be re-booked and the return from AMS in Business class would now be more than 2x what I initially paid. Fingers crossed we get to FLL on time. Same thing happened to a friend for her cruise on EDGE. 

[RichYak]

2 hours ago, drakes2 said:

Fortunately there are several air canada flights out that day.

This is the part of the logic problem that I've never really understood. What gives one confidence that if there's a problem in the first flight of the day, that there would be any availability on the remaining flights?

[bEwAbG]

You simply cannot rely on there maybe be more same day flight capacity these days.  The airlines have really pared back their operations, so when cancellations start happening, there often isn't room to shift everyone to other same day flights.  We're heading into the second year of regular news stories of airlines taking several days to get back on track any time there is a major cancellation event.  Travel demand is sky high this year on top of it.